New York law requires hairdressers to learn how to work with all hair types

New law requires cosmetology classes to give instruction on all hair types from the kinkiest to the straightest

As of 1 September, a new law in New York state requires hairdressers studying cosmetology to be trained to work with all hair types.

“This is about equal access to service,” assembly member Michaelle Solages, who sponsored the law, said in a statement earlier this year. “No New Yorker should ever walk into a salon and be turned away or receive substandard care because of their hair texture. Now, with the adoption of this legislation, they won’t have to.”

The law, signed by Kathy Hochul , New York’s governor, requires cosmetology and natural hair styling classes to include instruction on hair types from the kinkiest to the straightest. Additionally, the new training will require students to learn about hair and scalp properties, hair care and styling techniques associated with textured hair.

Students will have to demonstrate their proficiency on state licensing exams. The number of hours required to receive a license will not change. Schools have had three years to prepare for and comply with the new law, which was signed in 2023.

“By embedding the new instruction into existing programs, these changes will expand skills and service without increasing costs, and will ensure that haircare professionals are prepared to serve all of their clients,” Solages’s statement said.

In January , New Jersey signed similar legislation into law, which likewise expanded textured hair education. New Jersey’s legislation requires students to receive training on textured hair, includes curly hair in written and practical testing on the state’s licensing exams and calls for schools to have appropriate training tools.